Apparatus and method for splicing sliver of yarn during yarn formation and processing

ABSTRACT

An apparatus ( 20 ) and methods are provided for splicing selected portions of sliver (S) such as during yarn formation and processing. The apparatus ( 20 ) preferably includes a needle carrying member ( 35 ) having a plurality of needles ( 32 ) to engage silver (S) when positioned adjacent thereto and a needle engaging member ( 45 ) positioned to underlie the needle carrying member ( 35 ) and to receive the plurality of needles ( 32 ) from the first needle carrying member ( 35 ). The apparatus ( 20 ) also preferably includes a hand-activated needle actuation device ( 30, 40 ) connected to the needle carrying member ( 35 ) and the needle engaging member ( 45 ) to position the needle carrying member ( 35 ) in an open position to allow sliver (S) to be spliced to be readily positioned therebetween and responsive to closing at least portions of the hand (H) of a user for actuating the engaging of the needle carrying member ( 35 ) with the sliver (S) and the needle engaging member ( 45 ) so that the engaging of plurality of needles ( 32 ) of the needle carrying member ( 35 ) with the needle engaging member ( 45 ) thereby defines a closed position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the textile industry and, moreparticularly, to the field of textile splicing and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the textile industry, yarn is formed of a plurality of slivers. Toform the yarn, however, various steps are required to obtain the typeand texture of the yarn desired. During sliver processing, sliver isoften provided for shipment and use in cans or other containers whichallow a first end of the sliver to be drawn or pulled from the can. Asecond end of the sliver is often left available for splicing to thefirst end of another can. This splicing is conventionally accomplishedby a hand-type braid, twist, or other connection between the second endof the first can and the first end of the second can to join theserespective ends of sliver together so that when the first can of sliverempties, the second can is ready to go for additional sliver processing.This hand-type braiding or twisting of the sliver has also becomesomewhat of a specialty of different textile personnel in sliverhandling and processing. This manual procedure, however, can be timeconsuming, labor intensive, costly, inconsistent from person to personforming the braid or twist, and often is not strong or secure enoughwhen the sliver is further handled or processed.

Other types of automatic splicing systems have been developed over theyears. Examples can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,389 by Onoue et al.titled “Sliver Piecing In Spinning Machines,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,722 byAkiyama titled “Sliver Piecing Device Having Fiber Entangling NeedlesAnd Air Jets,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,241 by Haigh et al. titled “MethodAnd Apparatus For Combining Fibres Formed Into Slivers For Supply ToTextile Machinery,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,318 by Becker et al. titled“Method And Device For Making A Knot-Free Thread Connection BySplicing,” U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,969,323 and 4,982,563 each by Stahlecker andeach titled “Sliver Splicing Arrangement For A Spinning Machine,” U.S.Pat. No. 2,608,725 by Strew titled “Sliver Piecing Device,” U.S. Pat.No. 3,308,520 by Gagnon titled “Process Of Splicing Tow,” U.S. Pat. No.5,359,758 by Stahlecker et al. titled “Process And An Arrangement ForThe Piercing Of A Sliver,” Japanese Patent Document Application No.05105652 by Takashi titled “Sliver Joining Apparatus In SpinningMachine,” and German Patent Document No. 90-210593/28 titled “AutomaticSplicer For Roving On Ring-Spinning Frame—Has Needle Arrangement To FeltFibres.” These automated systems, however, can be quite expensive toinstall, can be costly to operate, can have various complex mechanicaland/or electrical problems, can take up additional floor space inmanufacturing environments, can be bulky and awkward to use, and canoften require extensive special training for personnel or the hiring ofspecial personnel to oversee this automated equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advantageouslyprovides an apparatus and methods for splicing slivers of yarn duringformation and processing which is compact, relatively simple to use, andreadily portable. The present invention also advantageously provides anapparatus and methods for splicing various types of textile sliverswhich is relatively inexpensive and does not require extensive personneltraining to understand and operate. The present invention additionallyadvantageously provides an apparatus and methods for splicing varioustypes of textile sliver which allows the user to easily handle, carry,and tote and which is of such a size as to be easily inserted into apocket of a garment or a carrying case worn by the user. The presentinvention still also advantageously provides an apparatus and methodsfor splicing textile sliver which forms a substantially secureconnection between ends of sliver being spliced or joined for laterhandling and/or processing. The present invention further advantageouslyprovides an apparatus and methods for splicing textile sliver which isless complex, easy to repair or replace parts, and is readily adaptableto various splicing needs and situations.

More particularly, the present invention provides an apparatus forsplicing selected portions of sliver which preferably includes a needlecarrying member having a plurality of needles to engage sliver whenpositioned adjacent thereto, a needle engaging member positioned toreceive the plurality of needles from the first needle carrying memberwhen the plurality of needles engage the sliver in a closed position,and a hand-activated needle actuation device connected to the needlecarrying member and the needle engaging member to position the needlecarrying member in an open position so that the plurality of needles isspaced-apart from the needle engaging member to allow sliver to bespliced to be readily positioned therebetween and responsive togrippingly closing at least portions of the hand of a user to actuatethe engaging of the needle carrying member with the sliver and theneedle engaging member when the sliver is positioned between the needlecarrying member and the needle engaging member so that the engaging ofplurality of needles of the needle carrying member with the needleengaging member thereby defines a closed position.

The present invention also advantageously provides an apparatus forsplicing sliver which preferably includes a first handle portion havingat least one sliver engaging member, a second handle portion positionedto receive the at least one sliver engaging member in a closed position,and a pivot member associated with the first and second handle portionsto allow either the first or second handle portions to pivot about thepivot member between respective open and closed positions. The openposition preferably is defined by portions of the first handle memberhaving the at least one sliver engaging member being spaced-apart fromportions of the second handle portion positioned to receive the at leastone sliver engaging member, and the closed position preferably isdefined by the at least one sliver engaging member of the first handleportion being received by the portions of the second handle member whenpositioned closely adjacent thereto. The apparatus preferably furtherincludes a biasing member associated with the pivot member andpositioned to bias either the first or the second handle portions in apreselected biased position.

The present invention additionally provides an apparatus for splicingsliver which preferably includes a first handle portion having a firsthandle body and at least one sliver engaging member detachably connectedto the first handle body to thereby define a cartridge member, a secondhandle portion pivotally connected to and positioned to receive the atleast one sliver engaging member and pivot between open and closedpositions. The open position is preferably defined by the at least onesliver engaging member being spaced-apart from portions of the secondhandle portion positioned to receive the at least one sliver engagingmember, and the closed position preferably is defined by the at leastone sliver engaging member of the first handle portion being received bythe portions of the second handle member when positioned closelyadjacent thereto. The apparatus preferably also includes a biasingmember positioned to bias either the first or the second handle portionsin a preselected biased position.

The present invention further provides methods of splicing sliver. Afirst method preferably includes grippingly closing a handle portion ofa sliver splicer having at least one sliver engaging member by the handof a user so that the at least one sliver engaging member engages andsplices sliver positioned adjacent thereto and releasingly opening thehandle portion by the hand of the user to thereby release the splicedportion of sliver from the at least one sliver engaging member.

Another method of splicing sliver, according to the present invention,preferably includes closing a handle portion of a needle engaging memberhaving a plurality of needles so that the plurality of needles engagesand splices sliver positioned adjacent thereto and opening the handleportion of the needle engaging member so that the plurality of needlesrelease the spliced portions of sliver therefrom.

Yet another method of splicing sliver according to the present inventionpreferably includes joining first portions of sliver with a plurality ofneedles each having a recessed portion to engage and intertwine withadjacent second portions of sliver, the plurality of needles beingconnected to a body portion so that the body portion and the pluralityof needles in combination define a needle cartridge member and replacingthe needle cartridge member with an auxiliary cartridge member alsohaving a body portion and a plurality of needles connected to the bodyportion.

The apparatus and methods of the present invention provide additionalmanufacturing, handling, processing, and formation flexibility in theuse of the splicers for sliver. For example, manufacturing personnel canwalk around a facility with an apparatus of the present inventionpositioned in a pocket, holster, or harness when the splicing apparatusor splicer is preferably in a locked closed position so that themanufacturing personnel can readily remove the splicer, unlock thesplicer, accomplish the splicing function, relock the splicer, andreturn the splicer to the pocket, holster, or harness. Additionally, thesplicing apparatus of the present invention can be strapped to a chainor belt which can enhance carrying and portability. Further, when one ormore needles or other sliver engaging members are damaged, according toone embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge member can readilybe removed which carries the needles and replaced with an auxiliarycartridge member. This cartridge replacement, for example, prevents theneed to replace the entire splicing apparatus and saves money andreordering time. Also, because the splicing apparatus is portable,compact, and relatively of simple construction and low cost, manydifferent types of manufacturing personnel can use the splicingapparatus and can readily order additional or readily replace the entiresplicing apparatus if desired without incurring extensive costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the features, advantages, and benefits of the present inventionhaving been stated, others will become apparent as the descriptionproceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for splicing sliveraccording to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an apparatus for splicing sliverbeing actuated by the hand of a user according to a first embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a type of needleof an apparatus for splicing sliver according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a needle of an apparatus for splicingsliver taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a needle of anapparatus for splicing sliver according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a needle of an apparatus for splicingsliver taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 7A-7D are schematic perspective views of the operation of anapparatus for splicing sliver according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an apparatus forsplicing sliver prior to engagement with sliver in an open positionaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8B is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an apparatus forsplicing sliver after engagement with the sliver in a closed positionaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8C is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an apparatus forsplicing sliver after engagement with the sliver in an open positionaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view of sliver after being splicedwith an apparatus for splicing sliver according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus for splicing sliveraccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an exploded fragmentary perspective, view of a needlecartridge for positioning in an apparatus for splicing sliver accordingto a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an apparatus for splicing sliverhaving a needle cartridge illustrated by broken lines for clarityaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded side elevational view of an apparatus forsplicing sliver having a needle cartridge member and a plurality ofreplacement auxiliary needle cartridge members according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view a portion of an apparatus forsplicing sliver illustrating a connection between first and secondhandle portions along a pivot member and the position of a biasingmember to bias the apparatus in an open position according to thepresent invention; and

FIG. 15 is an apparatus for splicing sliver according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferredembodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout, the prime notation, if used,indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments.

FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a first embodiment of an apparatus 20 for splicingsliver S. The apparatus 20 preferably includes a first handle portion 30having at least one sliver engaging member. The at least one sliverengaging member is preferably one or more needles 32, and morepreferably a plurality of needles 32, connected to the first handleportion 30. A second handle portion 40 preferably is positioned toreceive the at least one sliver engaging member, e.g., the plurality ofneedles 32, in a closed position such as through or within one or moreopenings or bores 42, 42′ as shown (see also FIG. 10).. As perhaps beshown in FIGS. 1-2 and 14, a pivot member 25 is associated with, andpreferably connected to or mounted as illustrated, to the first andsecond handle portions 30, 40 to allow either the first or second handleportions 30, 40 to pivot about the pivot member 25 between respectiveopen and closed positions. The open position preferably is defined bydistal portions 31 of the first handle portion 30 having the at leastone sliver engaging member being spaced-apart from distal portions 31 ofthe second handle portion 40 positioned to receive the at least onesliver engaging member, and the closed position preferably is defined bythe at least one sliver engaging member of the first handle portion 30being received by the distal portions of the second handle portion 40when positioned closely adjacent thereto. The first and second handleportions 30, 40 can advantageously defined a base which isadvantageously hand operated, but other base structures as understood bythose skilled in the art which may or may not be hand operated can beused as well according to the present invention.

The apparatus 20 preferably includes a biasing member 28 associated withthe pivot member 25 and positioned to bias either the first or thesecond handle portions 30, 40 in a preselected biased position. In theembodiment of the splicing apparatus 20 as illustrated, the first handleportion 30 is biased by the biasing member 28 to the open position. Asshown in FIG. 14, the biasing member 28 is preferably a spring asunderstood by those skilled in the art and preferably is connected tothe pivot member 25 and positioned to bias the first handle portion 30in the open position. Other types of biasing members, including varioustypes of springs, can be used as well. Although the illustratedembodiment of biasing the first handle portion 30 in the open positionis particularly advantageous due to the movement desired in the splicingprocess and the ease of use by a user's hand, for example, it will alsobe understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventionwould include biasing the splicing apparatus 2011 in the closed position(see also FIG. 15). Further, the apparatus 20 preferably also includes alock 50 associated with the first and second handle portions 30, 40 tolock the first and second handle portions 30, 40 in a closed position.In the embodiment shown, the lock 50 is primarily connected to the firsthandle portion 30 and slidably engages or locks, e.g., a latch, with thesecond handle portion 40, e.g., into a slot or channel by connecting tothe needle receiving portion or body 45 of the second handle portion 40(see FIG. 2).

As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second handleportions 30, 40 define a hand-activated needle actuation device whichadvantageously allows a ready grip by a user's hand H to apply pressurefrom the user's hand H to actuate the movement of the plurality ofneedles 32. As described above, and as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7D and8A-8C, the at least one sliver engaging member preferably includes aplurality of needles 32, and the hand-activated needle actuation deviceis responsive to grippingly closing at least portions of the hand H of auser to actuate the engaging of the plurality of needles 32 with thesliver S to be spliced and the distal portions 45, e.g., through theopenings or bores 42, 42′ of the second handle portion 40 when thesliver S is positioned between the plurality of needles 32 and thedistal portions 45 of the second handle portion 40 so that the engagingof plurality of needles 32 with the distal portions 45 of the secondhandle portion 40 thereby further defines the closed position (see alsoFIG. 10).

Also, as perhaps best shown in FIGS. 3-6 and 8A-8C, each of theplurality of needles 32 preferably includes a needle body 33, 33′ and arecessed portion 34, 34′ formed in the needle body 33, 33′ andpositioned to assist in the engaging of and interconnecting of thesliver S when each needle 32, 32′ engages sliver S during movement tothe closed position. The recessed portion 34, 34′ preferably includes atleast one of the following: a barb, a groove, and a channel. Therecessed portion 34, 34′ preferably has an upward slope with respect tothe downward movement of the needle 32 so that the recessed portion 34,34′ readily catches, engages, or otherwise contacts the sliver S duringthe downward motion of the needles and responsively releases the sliverS during upward motion. This process allows the intertwining orinterconnecting of the sliver S to join the portions of sliver S desiredto be spliced together.

As shown in FIGS. 10-13 and 15, according to a second embodiment of asplicing apparatus 20′ of the present invention, the at least one sliverengaging member preferably is detachably connected to the first handleportion 30′ and defines a cartridge member 35, 35′ positioned in distalportions 31′ of the first handle portion 30′ to readily remove from thefirst handle portion 30′. At least one replacement auxiliary cartridgemember 38, and preferably a plurality of replacement auxiliary cartridgemembers 38, can have the same construction as the cartridge member 35,35′ and can be adapted to be readily positioned in the first handleportion 30′. Accordingly, a kit can also be provided which has aportable splicing apparatus 20′ positioned in a container, e.g., box,bag, package, with one or more auxiliary cartridge members 38, so thatwhen a cartridge member 35, 35′ being used is damaged, dulled, orotherwise desired to be replaced, another cartridge member 38 can bereadily inserted into an opening 39 in the first handle portion 30′ ofthe splicing apparatus 20′ after removal of the damaged cartridge member35, 35′ so that splicing operations proceed with substantially reducedinterruptions. The distal portion 45′ of the second handle portion 40′preferably has additional springs or other types of biasing members 36which allow the needles 32′ to retract and extend from openings 37 inthe distal portion 31′ as shown.

Further still, as shown in FIG. 15, scissor-type handles 30″, 40″,substantially closed loops, and various other types of handle or fingergrips can also be used. In this embodiment of a splicing apparatus 20″,the pivot member 25″ is also moved forward toward a more medial portionof the handle members 30″, 40″ and the biasing member 28″ is anothertype of spring, as understood by those skilled in the art, which biasesthe scissor-type handle embodiment to a closed position so that thedistal portions 31″, 45″ of the handles are positioned closely adjacenteach other and the plurality of needles 32″ can engage receivingportions of the handle 40″.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, the present invention further providesmethods of splicing sliver S. A first method preferably includesgrippingly closing a handle portion 30 of a sliver splicer 20 having atleast one sliver engaging member 32 by the hand H of a user so that theat least one sliver engaging member 32 engages and splices sliver Spositioned adjacent thereto and releasingly opening the handle portion30 by the hand H of the user to thereby release the spliced portion ofsliver S from the at least one sliver engaging member 32.

Another method of splicing sliver S according to the present inventionpreferably includes closing a handle portion 30 of a needle engagingmember having a plurality of needles 32 so that the plurality of needles32 engages and splices sliver S positioned adjacent thereto and openingthe handle portion 30 of the needle engaging member so that theplurality of needles 32 release the spliced portions of sliver Stherefrom.

Yet another method of splicing sliver S according to the presentinvention preferably includes joining first portions of sliver S with aplurality of needles 32 each having a recessed portion 34 to engage andintertwine with adjacent second portions of sliver S. The plurality ofneedles preferably is connected to a body portion so that the bodyportion and the plurality of needles 32 in combination define a needlecartridge member 35 and replacing the needle cartridge member 35 with anauxiliary cartridge member 38 also having a body portion and a pluralityof needles 32 connected to the body portion.

The apparatus 20, 20′, 20″ and methods of the present invention provideadditional manufacturing, handling, processing, and formationflexibility in the use of the splicers for sliver. For example,manufacturing personnel can walk around a facility with an apparatus 20of the present invention positioned in a pocket, holster, or harnesswhen the splicing apparatus 20 or splicer is preferably in a lockedclosed position so that the manufacturing personnel can readily removethe splicer 20, unlock the splicer 20, accomplish the splicing function,relock the splicer 20, and return the splicer 20 to the pocket, holster,or harness. Additionally, the splicing apparatus 20 of the presentinvention can be strapped to a chain or belt which can enhance carryingand portability. Further, when one or more needles 32 or other sliverengaging members are damaged, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, a cartridge member 35 can readily be removed which carriesthe needles 32′ and replaced with an auxiliary cartridge member 38. Thiscartridge replacement, for example, prevents the need to replace theentire splicing apparatus 20′ and saves money and reordering time. Also,because the splicing apparatus 20 is portable, compact, and relativelyof simple construction and low cost, many different types ofmanufacturing personnel can use the splicing apparatus 20, 20′, 20″ andcan readily order additional or readily replace the entire splicingapparatus 20, 20′, 20″ if desired without incurring extensive costs.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a typicalpreferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms areemployed, the terms are used in a descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. The invention has been described in considerabledetail with specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It willbe apparent, however, that various modifications and changes can be madewithin the spirit and scope of the invention as described in theforegoing specification and as defined in the appended claims.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. An apparatus for splicing selected portions ofsliver, the apparatus comprising: a needle carrying member having aplurality of needles to engage sliver when positioned adjacent thereto;a needle engaging member positioned to receive the plurality of needlesfrom the needle carrying member when the plurality of needles engage thesliver in a closed position; and a hand-activated needle actuationdevice connected to the needle carrying member and the needle engagingmember to position the needle carrying member in an open position sothat the plurality of needles is spaced-apart from the needle engagingmember to allow sliver to be spliced to be readily positionedtherebetween, the hand-activated needle actuation device beingresponsive to grippingly closing at least portions of a hand of a userto actuate the engaging of the needle carrying member with the sliverand the needle engaging member when the sliver is positioned between theneedle carrying member and the needle engaging member so that theengaging of the plurality of needles of the needle carrying member withthe needle engaging member thereby defines a closed position.
 20. Anapparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein the hand-activated needleactuation device includes a first handle portion connected to the needlecarrying member and positioned to be gripped by a hand of a user, asecond handle portion connected to the needle engaging member andpositioned to be gripped by a hand of a user, a pivot member connectedto the first and second handle portions to allow either the first orsecond handle portions to pivot about the pivot member between therespective open and closed positions, and a biasing member connected tothe pivot member and positioned to bias the needle carrying member inthe open position.
 21. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein thehand-activated needle actuation device includes a first handle portionconnected to the needle carrying member and positioned to be gripped bya hand of a user, a second handle portion connected to the needleengaging member and positioned to be gripped by a hand of a user, apivot member connected to the first and second handle portions to alloweither the first or second handle portions to pivot about the pivotmember between the respective open and closed positions, and a biasingmember associated with the first and second handle portions andpositioned to bias the needle carrying member in the closed position.22. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein the needle engagingmember includes a body member and a plurality of openings formed in thebody member and each extending to a depth in the body member so thatnone of the plurality of needles extend outwardly from the needleengaging member when in the closed position, the number of the pluralityof openings being equal to the number of the plurality of needles, eachof the plurality of openings being positioned to underlie acorresponding one of the plurality of needles of the needles carryingmember so that the plurality of openings matingly receive the pluralityof needles as the plurality of needles pass into and out of theplurality of openings to thereby engage the needles and sliver beingcarried therewith.
 23. An apparatus as defined in claim 22, wherein thebody member of the needle engaging member includes a substantiallyclosed bottom, and wherein the bottom underlies each of the plurality ofopenings so that portions of the bottom define a floor for each of theplurality of openings.
 24. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, furthercomprising a lock associated with the hand activated needle actuationdevice to lock the hand activated needle actuation device in the closedposition so that none of the plurality of needles extend outwardly fromthe needle engaging member when locked in the closed position.
 25. Anapparatus as defined in claims 19, wherein each of the plurality ofneedles includes a needle body and a recessed portion formed in theneedle body and positioned to assist in the engaging of andinterconnecting of the sliver when each needle engages sliver duringmovement to the closed position.
 26. An apparatus as defined in claims20, wherein the needle carrying member is detachably connected to atleast one of the first handle portion and the second handle portion anddefines a needle cartridge to readily remove from the respective firsthandle portion and second handle portion.
 27. An apparatus as defined inclaims 26, further comprising at least one replacement auxiliary needlecartridge adapted to be readily positioned in the at least one of thefirst handle portion and the second handle portion.
 28. An apparatus forsplicing sliver, the apparatus comprising a base and a needle receivingmember associated with the base and positioned to receive a plurality ofneedles, the apparatus being characterized by having: a first cartridgemember detachably connected to the base to be readily removed therefrom,the first cartridge member having a combination of a body portion and aplurality of needles each connected to the body portion, each of theplurality of needles having a recessed portion to engage and intertwinefirst portions of sliver with adjacent second portions of sliver; and asecond auxiliary replacement cartridge member adapted to be detachablyconnected to the base and to be placed in substantially the sameposition as the first cartridge member, the second auxiliary replacementcartridge member also having a combination of a body portion and aplurality of needles each connected to the body portion and adapted tobe positioned to be received by the needle receiving member, each of theplurality of needles having a recessed portion to engage and intertwinefirst portions of sliver with adjacent second portions of sliver.
 29. Anapparatus as defined in claim 28, further comprising a pivot memberassociated with the first cartridge member and the needle receivingmember to allow either the first cartridge member or needle receivingmember to pivot about the pivot member between respective open andclosed positions, the open position being defined by portions of thefirst cartridge member being spaced-apart from portions of the needlereceiving member to receive the first cartridge member and the closedposition being defined by the first cartridge member being received byportions of the needle receiving member when positioned closely adjacentthereto.
 30. An apparatus as defined in claim 29, further comprising abiasing member associated with the pivot member and positioned to biaseither the first cartridge member or the needle receiving member in apreselected biased position.
 31. An apparatus as defined in claim 28,wherein the recessed portion of each of the plurality of needles of thefirst and second cartridge members includes at least one of thefollowing: a barb, a groove, and a channel.
 32. An apparatus as definedin claims 28, a lock associated with the first cartridge member and theneedle receiving member to lock the first cartridge member and theneedle receiving member in a closed position.
 33. A method of splicingsliver, the method being characterized by the steps of: grippinglyclosing a first handle portion and a second handle portion of a sliversplicer having at least one sliver engaging member by a hand of a userso that the at least one sliver engaging member engages and splicessliver positioned adjacent thereto when in a closed position, the atleast one sliver engaging member having a plurality of needles eachincluding a recessed portion to engage and intertwine first portions ofthe sliver with second portions of the sliver to thereby join the firstportions to the second portions of the sliver; and releasingly openingthe first handle portion and the second handle portion by the hand ofthe user from the closed position to an open position to thereby releasethe spliced portion of sliver from the at least one sliver engagingmember.
 34. A method as defined in claim 33, further comprising thesteps of removing the spliced portion from adjacent the at least onesliver engaging member, grippingly closing the first handle portion andthe second handle portion to the closed position without sliverpositioned therebetween, and locking the first handle portion and thesecond handle portion in the closed position.
 35. A method as defined inclaim 34, further comprising removing the spliced portion from adjacentthe at least one sliver engaging member and biasingly closing the firsthandle portion and the second handle portion to the closed positionwithout sliver positioned therebetween.
 36. A method as defined in claim35, wherein none of the recessed portion of each of the plurality ofneedles is exposed when in the closed position.
 37. A method of splicingsliver comprising joining first portions of sliver with a plurality ofneedles having a recessed portion to engage and intertwine with adjacentsecond portions of sliver, the method characterized by having: theplurality of needles being connected to a body portion so that the bodyportion and the plurality of needles in the combination define a needlecartridge member; and replacing the needle cartridge member with anauxiliary cartridge member also having a body portion and a plurality ofneedles connected to the body portion.
 38. A method as defined in claims37, wherein each of the plurality of needles includes a needle body, andwherein the recessed portion is formed in the needle body and positionedto assist in the engaging of and interconnecting of the sliver when eachneedle engages sliver.